Research
SRA (Summer Research Academies)
SRA is a 4-week residential or commuter program run by UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions. Open to: 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
- Application deadline
- March 22, 2027
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 9 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 4 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
Students take a 4-unit university course in a chosen track and develop a research topic within it. They present in a capstone seminar and attend the GRIT talks lecture series.
- Research methods
- University credit course
Key facts
- Run by
- UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions
- Where
- Santa Barbara, CA (residential or commuter)
- Who can apply
- 9th, 10th, or 11th gradeMinimum 3.60 academic weighted GPA; students must attend the entire program and cannot enroll in other courses at the same time.
- Dates
- June 25 to July 23, 2027
- Cost
- 2026: $3,475 commuter total ($3,400 tuition and program fees plus $75 application fee); $9,874 residential total, which adds $6,399 housing and meals
- Deadline
- March 22, 2027Application opens December 15, 2026.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Application fee
An unofficial transcript, a personal statement of up to 500 words, four short responses of up to 150 words each, and a $75 application fee.
How a mentor helps with your SRA application
- Decide whether SRA fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the SRA deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REACHScripps Research | La Jolla, CACommuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Free with stipend | March 22, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| RMPUC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions | Santa Barbara, CAResidential or commuter | 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted case by case) | Paid, aid available | March 8, 2027 |
| SIMRStanford University School of Medicine | Stanford, CACommuter | Current juniors and seniors as of fall 2026 (graduating classes of 2027 or 2028) | Free | Late February 2027 (the 2026 deadline was February 21, 2026) |
| SIPUC Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CAResidential or commuter | High school students ages 14 to 17 for the duration of the program | Paid, aid available | February 26, 2027 at 12:00 noon PST |
| SRCCaltech Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach | Pasadena, CACommuter | Rising 10th to 12th graders in Pasadena Unified School District high schools | Not posted | Not posted |
| UC San Diego Research ScholarsUC San Diego Division of Extended Studies | La Jolla, CAHybrid | High school students | Paid | Not posted |
Frequently asked questions
When is the SRA application deadline?
The deadline is March 22, 2027. The application opens December 15, 2026.
How much does SRA cost?
2026: $3,475 commuter total ($3,400 tuition and program fees plus $75 application fee); $9,874 residential total, which adds $6,399 housing and meals. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to SRA?
9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Minimum 3.60 academic weighted GPA; students must attend the entire program and cannot enroll in other courses at the same time.
What does the SRA application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Application fee. An unofficial transcript, a personal statement of up to 500 words, four short responses of up to 150 words each, and a $75 application fee.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
